This is Ben Nevis in the morning fog on my way to start the West Highland Way.

First opened in 1980, this 95-mile trail is the first and most popular long distance footpath in Scotland. Somehow I always find myself doing the trails backwards, so I never meet anyone else going my way.

I had no idea until seeing this "white blaze," that the West Highland Way joined the International Appalachian Trail in 2010.

Imagine this being your yard, walking out of your front door every day to distant views with no neighbors or development of any kind in sight.

Also imagine running out toilet paper or pouring a bowl of Cinnamon Toast Crunch then realizing you have no milk.

This is the top of what is called The Devil's Staircase, the highest point on the West Highland Way at 1,850 feet.

It was actually nice to be on easy trail for a few days. And best of all, it's all well-maintained, well-marked, hard-packed trail with no bogs or going days with wet feet. A nice change of pace after the Cape Wrath Trail.